In this quick tutorial, we tell you about a useful setting that will further strengthen the security of your X (formerly Twitter) account and prevent hackers from gaining access to it.
Like most online services, X also lets you set up two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account. Two-factor authentication ensures that even if someone knows your password (and usernames are always public), they still need a unique code to get in.
In addition, X offers an optional account security feature that requires you (or the hacker) to enter the email address or phone number before requesting a password reset link or code. This is turned off by default, which means anybody with your username can request a password reset link.
Now, the password reset link will obviously be sent to your email address on file with X, and unless the hacker has also gained access to your email account, they won’t be able to change the password.
That said, turning on this optional security feature will eliminate or reduce the unsolicited password reset emails you get.
X is a valuable place to share thoughts, build relationships, and reach the masses (the new Apple CEO, John Ternus, had over 70 million views and gained 800k followers on his first post in less than 24 hours).
Plus, X now even has a bank account feature and debit card (@XMoney) in the United States involving real money, which makes it even more valuable and worth securing.
So to reduce unnecessary password reset emails and secure your account, follow the steps below to enable this additional password-protection feature.
Activate the password reset protect feature for your X account
- Open the updated X app.
- Swipe left on the For You tab or tap your profile icon at the top left corner.
- Tap Settings and privacy.
- Tap Security and account access.
- Select Security.
- Turn on ‘Password reset protect’ under the ‘Additional password protection’ section.
- Enter your current account password and click OK.
You can also turn it on on the web by visiting x.com/settings/security.
Moving forward, when you or a malicious agent tries to reset your X account password, a ‘Confirm your account’ screen will appear asking for your full email address or phone number before sending the password reset link. Without this optional feature activated, X just asks you or the hacker to select the email address or phone number on file (only initials are shown) to receive a reset code.
What do you think of this? Will you be enabling it for your X account?
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